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Tuesday, 23 February 2010

A $30 million purpose-built science library will be opened by the Governor of Western Australia, Dr Ken Michael, at The University of Western Australia tomorrow.

One of the most advanced university science libraries in the country, it boasts almost 11km of books, more than 900 study spaces, 13 sound-proof group study rooms, a grid classroom that allows tutorials to be shared with teachers and students in remote sites and overseas, and access for people with disabilities.

Housing the full range of the University's science material in one place for the first time in the history of the almost century-old institution, the 8,000 square metre library was designed by Ferguson Architects to accommodate different styles of learning and working in several zones.

UWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson, said: "A library of this calibre compares well with those of the world's top 50 universities - as our University aims to be by 2050.

"Its wonderful collection of books and journals, and connectivity to major internet science sites, will help inform a new generation of scientists whose work will shape national and international communities in the future."

The new library provides services in life and physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, computing sciences and natural and agricultural sciences.

Professor Robson, UWA Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall, and retired UWA librarian John Arfield will also take part in the formal opening. A highlight will be a song and video praising the library composed and performed by UWA students Sarah Whyte and Madeleine Markham.

WHAT: Opening of new UWA Science Library

WHEN: 9.30am Wednesday 24 February

WHERE: Science Library (near Parkway Entrance 1)

Media references

Jill Benn , Manager, Science Library (+61 8) 6488 2836 / (+61 4) 29 571 430

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716

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